Latest News
Sustainable investor Igloo Regeneration has announced that ‘Wonderwood’, a hybrid ‘art and park’ in the heart of Holbeck Urban Village which was initially developed as a temporary installation adjacent to a future development site, will be remaining on site through the winter months, having become a key attraction in the area.
When ‘Wonderwood’ first appeared, residents and workers were amazed to find an urban wonderland had sprung up on their doorstep. Although they greeted it warmly they were aware that it was a temporary fixture.
However, throughout the summer months more than 1000 people came down to relax and sit in deck chairs on Wonderwood’s perfectly mowed lawn and enjoy a variety of events from an ‘Urban Gardening Weekend’ to live jazz music and yoga sessions. The beauty and uniqueness of this urban oasis, and its obvious popularity with residents, workers and visitors alike, has warmed the heart of developer, igloo Regeneration, which has now agreed to take over responsibility for the space from the Holbeck Urban Village team.
Paul Simmons from Igloo commented: “We knew that ‘Wonderwood’ was a fantastic concept from the start but to be honest didn’t quite anticipate that it would become so popular so quickly, functioning as a playful social meeting place for residents and workers in the area alike. Over the coming months, we want to help businesses and residents in Holbeck stay connected with Wonderwood acting as a focal point, but also to play a role in drawing people from the wider community down to this dynamic area, and beyond. We want Holbeck Urban Village to be seen as a great place to live, work and visit and see ‘Wonderwood’ as playing a vital role in helping us to achieve this.”
Igloo, which owns business and residential space in the area including Marshalls Mill, Marshalls Court and the Round Foundry , will now work in partnership with the Holbeck Urban Village team to take the scheme forward. Originally commissioned by Holbeck Urban Village and developed by The Culture Company in association with architects, Amenity Space, plans for ‘Wonderwood’ over the next six months include a series of seasonal changes including an autumn and winter Wonderwood and a calendar of community events.
Commented Jeremy English of Engine House Café, which sits opposite the urban garden: ‘We’ve had lots of customers asking us if ‘Wonderwood’ was staying as they’ve really enjoyed it over the summer months so this is fantastic news. We have loads of ideas to help get people down to the area and Wonderwood has been a great trigger for this. We’re now in talks to hold joint events with other businesses in the area for bonfire night and Christmas.”
Leanne Buchan, marketing officer, Holbeck Urban Village said: “Wonderwood has been more popular than we could ever have hoped and has brought a welcome boost to residents and businesses over the summer months. We are delighted that Igloo has decided to extend the life of the project. ‘Wonderwood‘ is a great example of how an innovative approach to a very difficult situation, which many developments across the country are facing, can reap big benefits.”
